Thanks. In terms of difficulty the two boats are about the same. The Pooduck is significantly bigger, but at just a tad under 13' is still quite suitable for the average garage space. The lofting is quite straightforward for both boats, and Mr. White's plans are quite accurate on that point, though you do have to improvise a bit on the plank sizes, i.e., make them a bit wider than specified and adjust to fit exactly on your molds. The thicker ply stock for the Pooduck is a bit harder to bend around the form, though its no biggy if they don't quite touch the forward station. If you do build the Pooduck I highly recommend you stick with the heavy scantlings per the designer (i.e., 3/4 inch bottom and 3/8 inch planks), as you'll have a much more solid boat under you (many builders reduce the thicknesses to 3/8 for the bottom and 1/4 for the planks to lighten the boat, which apparently the designer approved). Of the two boats the Pooduck is much more capable and spacious for gear and crew. But the Shellback is a lot of fun, too, and perhaps better sized to serve as a tender for a larger boat. I've never built from a kit, so I can't comment on that, though some day I'd like to try - would save a lot of tedium and time!

Thanks. Plans from Woodenboat store (Pooduck Skiff). The sails are a cream colour and made of a type of Dacron called Oceanus - a bit more expensive but worth it IMO, as it looks more like trad canvas.

Another nice combination for these trad designs is to get an Oceanus main and contrasting jib in tanbark- very "workboat"-like (which suits these designs).

Excellent! Thank you. I’m also wondering what your finishing process was for the interior? And, have you sailed her and would you recommend installing from aft cargo to mid ship?

Can I ask you what it cost to build? I’m trying to establish a budget. I’m guessing around $6000 Canadian. I’m from Edmonton.

My quick escape machine!